Population: 1,204 (humans 43%, Gnomes 24%, Dwarves 22%, Air-Genasi 10%)

Government: Lordship/Raikage 

Raikage: (Kotetsu Mune)

History: 

    Kotetsu has been the appointed Raikage for over six years now. He came into power after assassinating Droz "the hammer" Giferdine, an arch enemy of Kumogakure who's reputation as a powerful and witty Bugbear stem from decades past. After a momentary abscence, Droz resurfaced 11 years ago and began his quest to destroy Lightning country. This would be his second attempt, as his first failed thanks to the efforts of Kumogakure's ninja ranks. At that time the lightning country was being lead by two s-class jonin ninja, Makhail Brimstorm and Asami Chiyo. Together Makhail & Asami led lightning country to victory over Droz, and his horde of bugbears & hobgoblins. During the gap between Droz's disappearance and his return, the two famed shinobi had aged twice the normal rate from a curse that had been placed on them while carrying out a mission deep in the forests of Cormanther. 

When Droz returned, and discovered his old rivals conditioning, he quickly moved into action mounting an assault on Kumogakure that seemed to spell their end. Their power limited, Makhail and Asami were unable to contend with this new threat. But a hero would emerge to confront and defeat Droz. He fought with grace and speed as the heavens bestowed their strength and power upon him. Kotetsu, who would lead Kumogakure to victory once again became the new symbol of strength for their nation on that day, and has stood tall in the face of adversity ever since. 

Kotetsu is one of the most reknown ninja assassins in the history of the five great nations. Prior to his ascension as Kumogakure's Raikage, it was rumored that he'd assassinated over 250 shinobi over a stretch of 15 years. Most know his name from the assassination of Konoha's Hokage that he was responsible for. Many citizens of Konoha blame the hidden village's shortcomings on him, believing that if he'd never assassinated their Hokage, the new regime that Varin Vash now governs would have never happened. 

Appearance/Phys. Descript: Kotetsu has an exotic aura about him that hints to his origins possibly involving higher beings above mortal status. Though he ages, he does so slowly leading many to believe he possesses some type of celestial bloodline. He rarely acts without talking to his bird companion he refers to as "Sparro" (pronounced: Sparrow).

Kotetsu has blue tinted pupils, silvery white hair and often dresses in flashy garbs. He despises the traditional garments of the Raikage and has never worn them (at least publicly). He is the youngest shinobi to ever attain the rank of Kage to date. Though his true age cannnot be accurately gauged, he is believed to be in his late twenties. His enemies worry less about his age and more about his physical prowess.

On the battlefield he is a dangerous foe that can manuever in such a way that ordinary shinobi attempting to track his movements often find themselves dead before they can strike. When Iven seized control of Konoha and sent the members of his order to take over the remaining villages, Kotetsu was met by Kensou of the Flame in which a battle ensued with Kumogakure's freedom at stake. During teir fight, Kensou stated that if it were not for his sharingan, that the outcome of their struggle would have been much different. Their battle ended in a stalemate with both of them critically injured.    

Trade:

• Imports: Grain, Food, Glass 
• Exports: Ore, iron, Weapons, Armor

Location: The village of Kumogakure is tucked between the rocky valleys and mountainous terrain of the Thunder Peaks. The village is discretely positioned beyond the high mountains of the plains and below the rocky paths created by travelers thousands of years ago. In fact… Kumogakure is so well hidden that many who travel through the plains never even know its there. Many who have sought out it's location have found themselves surrounded by it's ANBU squad before they reach miles of it's whereabouts.

It's buildings and settlements rest upon large platforms & pieces of broken earth. These platforms are connected by scaffolds contructed from tempered steel by the hands of Kumogakure's infamous dwarven blacksmith, Gorghinvaul Stonefoot. Beneath the broen earth is a shadowy abyss that is presumed to stretch hundreds, maybe even thousands of feet down. It's rumored that during certain times of the season, the pits beneath the platforms radiate with bright lights that reach the surface and shine for one-to-three days at a time. None know the meaning behind this mysterious occurance, and those that perhaps do know, aren't telling. Especially it's citizens. 

Info

    The people who live within the Thunder Peaks have grown acustomed to it's radical climate and weather patterns. The village itself is surrounded by a neverending thunderstorm that constantly forms puffy dark clouds that loom above the village. These clouds radiate with flashes of light as thunder and lightning move through them. The villagers and shinobi of lightning country view his as a helpful tool in remaining concealed in times of war. Their ninja often use these conditions to effectively locate and dispose of any enemy threats in the area. Because the sun only peeks through the clouds every now and again, the climate of Kumogakure tends to be on the chilly side throughout the year regardless of the season. 

Citizens of this rugged lifestyle are most secretive and very cautious when in the company of outsiders. Because of the materials that Kumogakure harvest's and export's, there are many outside organizations and groups that would love to infiltrate the Plains and overrun it's inhabitants. Though, many are cautious to venture into the Thunder Peaks b/c of the reputation that has been built by Kotetsu and his experienced soldiers. 

Though Kotetsu and kumogakure withstood the onslaught of Droz, the war produced a staggering blow to their numbers. Of the five great countries, Kumogakure has the lowest number of active ninja. The village has never fully recovered from the battle and because of this, Kotetsu along with the help of lightning countries overseer's (Makhail and Asami), have strengthened their forces by improving the overall skill lvl and quality of their remaining ninja ranks.  

Enemies -None Known